Weekly Discussion Guide

Pastor Chris asked a very difficult question that people have been posing for a long time: If God is all powerful and good, why is there still suffering in the world?

MY STORY
Describe a time when you received compassion from someone during a time of suffering that kept your head above water during that difficult period.

WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned — (Romans 5:12) And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, “ The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:16-21) What is the relationship between suffering and the presence of sin in the world? And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” (Mathew 28:1-10)

What were the three ways, according to Isaiah, that the coming Messiah was going to relieve the suffering of captives, the blind, and those who were oppressed?

What was the good news that Jesus (as the Messiah) proclaimed and offered to those who were suffering?

What does God want us to hear? Based on the passages above, what are the factual “takeaways” that are meaningful to you?

WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?

What is the difference between natural evil and moral evil? How can both be traced back to the presence of sin in the world?

Describe the difference between people who suffer because of their own actions and those who suffer because of the actions of others.

If God were to suddenly snap his fingers and get rid of all the evil in the world, what, or who, would be left?

What is God’s plan to eventually get rid of all evil, and thus suffering, in the world?

What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit’s leading, nudging us toward?

WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?

Identify a significant loss you’ve experienced, especially one caused by the indifference, negligence, or malice of someone else.

If you haven’t already, begin the process of grieving that loss until it eventually loses its power over you.

Sit with someone this week who is suffering, and walk alongside that individual in his or her grief. Well-meaning“words of wisdom” may not be helpful during this time.

What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step that the Holy Spirit is calling you toward?